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Desert Location and Climate Because deserts are dry, they have large daily temperature variations. Temperatures are high during the day because there is very little moisture in the air to block the Sun's rays from reaching Earth. Once the Sun goes down, the heat absorbed during the day quickly escapes back into space. High daytime temperatures (-38°C) and low nighttime temperatures (-4°C) make survival in the desert very difficult.
Desert Animals • Deserts are home to many reptiles, insects, birds, and small mammals including: • Coyotes, Kit Foxes, and Bobcats • Big Horn Sheep and Pronghorn Antelope • Collard Peccary and Kangaroo Rats, and Jack Rabbits • Rattlesnakes, Gila Monsters, Horned Lizards, Desert Tortoise, Tarantulas, and Scorpions • Cactus Wren, Pygmy owl, Woodpeckers, and Hummingbirds
Desert Animals Bobcat Pronghorn Antelope Big Horn Sheep Coyote Kit Fox Cubs
Desert Animals Horned Lizard Collard Peccary Jack Rabbit Kangaroo Rat Desert Tortoise Gila Monster Sidewinder Rattlesnake
Desert Birds Pygmy Owl Cactus Wren Black -Chinned Humming Bird Gila Woodpecker Roadrunner
Animal Adaptations The most common behavioral adaptation used by desert animals to deal with high temperatures is to stay in the shadow (shade) of plants or rocks, thus avoiding the direct rays of the Sun. Desert animals also seek shelter by burrowing into the ground. The temperature in a burrow a few feet underground can be several degrees cooler.
Another behavioral adaptation used by desert animals is to remain inactive during the hot daylight hours. They hunt at night when temperatures are cool and when there is less risk of losing precious body water. Animals that use this adaptation are referred to as nocturnal.
Some animals get all of the water they need from the insects, bulbs, and seeds they eat. They will not drink water even when it is available. Some animals have developed salt glands that allow the secretion of salt without the loss of water. The absence of sweat glands and the concentration of urine are other adaptations made by desert animals. Because fat intensifies heat, a unique adaptation of some desert animals is the storage of fat in humps or tails, rather than throughout the entire body.
Desert Plants • A few of the plants that can be found in the desert include: • Short grasses • Sagebrush • Creosote bushes • Cacti
Sagebrush Hedge Hog Cactus Ocotillo Saguaro Prickly Pear Cactus Saguaro
Desert Plant Adaptations Because of the dry climate, plants have developed a number of different methods of capturing water. Some plants have developed long (20-30 foot) taproots that go deep into the ground and tap into groundwater sources. Other plants have developed extensive horizontal root systems. These horizontal root systems lie just below the surface and extend far beyond the plant canopy. When it rains the numerous tiny roots capture the water.
Another common adaptation is the ability of desert plants to store water in their roots, stems, leaves, or fruit. Plants that store water in this way are referred to as succulents. Desert plants retain moisture by limiting water loss through their leaf surface. Many plants accomplish this by adapting the size, sheen, or texture of their leaves.
Small leaves or spines limit the amount of surface area exposed to the drying heat. Glossy leaves reflect the Sun's radiant heat reducing leaf temperatures and evaporation rates. Waxy leaves prevent moisture from escaping. Water escapes from leaves through the stomata, or leaf pores. A behavioral adaptation used by some plants is to only open leaf pores during the night when air temperature is cool and evaporation rate is low.
